In this powerful and historically rich podcast episode, we dive deep into the untold stories of Hyderabad’s past, featuring the iconic Pasham Yadagiri Sir. Known for his extensive knowledge of the region’s history and his fearless critiques of modern society, Yadagiri Sir sheds light on many hidden aspects of Hyderabad, the Nizams, and their rule.
We begin by revisiting the famous “Bandi Venaka Bandi” song, which leads us into a detailed discussion about Hyderabad's Nizam era, particularly what transpired on September 17th. This was a turning point for many, especially for farmers and certain communities like the Brahmins and Padmashalis, who faced brutal killings. Yadagiri Sir unpacks the complexities of the British taxation system and how the Nizams acted as allies to the British crown. He touches on significant events such as the hanging of 1,000 Gonds in Nirmal and emphasizes the need for a 'mosaic vision' to truly understand the British rule in India.
We explore how the Nizams first came to power in India and whether there is any confusion between the Nizam army and the notorious Razakars. Yadagiri Sir breaks down the difference between the regular and irregular armies, drawing parallels to contemporary cases like Disha and Nayeem, showing the long-lasting impact of these historical systems on today’s society. We discuss infamous cases such as Belle Lalitha’s death and the mysterious ways in which these deaths are often brushed under the rug. Yadagiri Sir raises concerns over critical thought in journalism and why cases like Nayeem’s death were never properly filed.
The conversation also takes a turn towards Operation Polo, the military action that led to Hyderabad's annexation into India. Yadagiri Sir speaks passionately about the massacre that occurred afterward, often referred to as the second Jallianwala Bagh, and the forgotten figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Chaakali Ellamma who played crucial roles during this period. He shares insights into the once-wealthy regions of Hyderabad, such as Vagul and Adilabad, which were richer than Kashmir. Yadagiri Sir also discusses how the oppressive 'Dhora' taxation system and violent events like the Puligiri massacre shaped Telangana’s fight for survival.
The podcast delves into intriguing questions about Belle Lalitha’s death and its connection to Nayeem, exploring the larger political context that led to her tragic end. From the closure of all CBM factories, including Asia’s largest sugar factory, to the Charminar cigarette industry, Yadagiri Sir points out how these economic collapses affected common people. He argues that certain political parties, like TRS, TDP, and BJP, have ultimately put an end to the vision of Graama Swaraj, leaving us in a cryptocracy rather than a democracy.
Moving on to caste dynamics, Yadagiri Sir explains the historical origin of caste titles like Reddy and Choudary, clarifying that these were originally professions rather than social hierarchies. In the case of Reddys, they were land contractors, while Choudary referred to tax collectors. With his trademark candor, Yadagiri Sir also delves into human evolution and how the rise of industrial economies disrupted natural societal progress.
With the rise of social media, Yadagiri Sir ponders whether YouTube could become the next mainstream platform for journalism. Citing the example of Dhruv Rathee, who has reportedly influenced up to 20% of voters, he discusses how mobile phones have become the new 'AK47s' in the hands of the people, reshaping political discourse and the flow of information.
Finally, Yadagiri Sir shares his thoughts on the Emergency of June 25th, 1975, revealing the harsh conditions of the time, including mass sterilization and the draconian actions of Sanjay Gandhi. In a thought-provoking discussion, he touches on the long-term changes to India's Constitution and the rise of systems like HYDRA that continue to influence the nation today.
